People with Intellectual Disabilities and Fracture Risk

Title People with Intellectual Disabilities and Fracture Risk Background. Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) include inactivity, poor nutrition; certain medications, which are frequently present in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). We examined the BMD scores of adults with ID participating in Special Olympics (SO) Healthy Athletes to estimate fracture risk using peripheral ultrasound testing equipment. Objectives. Describe BMD screening process within SO Healthy Athletes® Program; Discuss regional breakdowns and empirically-based implications of elevated fracture risk for adults with ID Method. Health Promotion, a discipline within Healthy Athletes, addresses various topics, including bone health. BMD scores collected at SO Health Promotion events were analyzed. BMD T-score surveillance data reveals regional differences. Results. BMD data was collected on 4,702 SO athletes; 63% were male, 37% were female, and the mean age was 22.4. Eighteen percent had increased risk for fractures. Analysis of regional differences revealed that athletes from Europe/Eurasia were at greatest risk and athletes from Africa were at lowest risk. Analysis of Z scores and other risk factors provided further documentation of BMD disparities. Conclusion. Although conditions associated with ID contribute to elevated fracture risk, population based screening of adults with ID has not been documented. Our data confirm the need for individualized risk assessment, referral protocols, follow-up and medical or lifestyle intervention. Factors contributing to fracture in the general population are of greater concern for adults with ID. Future studies will identify interventions that reduce fracture risk in this high-risk vulnerable population.